Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Current closures on State Highway 25A (SH25A) across Coromandel will finish up late this afternoon (Tuesday 18 November), 3 days ahead of schedule.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations, Roger Brady, says the early finish is thanks to the teams on the ground.

“Our teams made the most of fine weather and good planning and resourcing to get work completed several days ahead of schedule – allowing the road to reopen sooner than anticipated.”

The road will reopen by late afternoon today, at the latest, and has been closed during the day for a major rebuild in the steep and narrow sections of the highway since Monday 10 November.

While there is still some work to complete, it can be done under speed restrictions and occasional stop/go traffic management.

“We acknowledge the disruption the closure caused the community and businesses and we thank everyone for their understanding and patience as this essential rebuild work has taken place.

“Getting the work completed and the road reopened before the peak summer holiday period was a priority” says Mr Brady.

The completed work includes:

• A significant road rehabilitation upgraded both the drainage system and the road surface, improving long-term resilience and safety.

• 480 metres of road, including 3600m² of chip sealing, delivering an even and more durable surface for road users.

• 5 mill-and-fill patches, restoring pavement strength and quality.

• A reinforced nib wall was built near Troop Falls.

Contractors made the most of the closure to get a lot of other maintenance work done, leaving the highway in top shape for summer.

More than 200 individual maintenance jobs were completed, including edge break, shoulder and pothole repairs, vegetation control, signage maintenance, culvert clearing and other drainage and surfacing work.

The essential rebuild on SH25A followed the week-long closure on SH25 at Boundary Creek bridge on the Thames Coast.

“Another big thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to finish early and to road users for your patience. NZTA is committed to keeping Coromandel connected this summer. Travel safely and enjoy the improved road,” says Mr Brady.

Source: New Zealand Government

Health New Zealand has approved $16.25 million in funding for the establishment of a new advanced hybrid operating theatre, which will allow patients at Wellington Regional Hospital to access faster, safer, and more advanced surgical care, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“It is a significant milestone for Wellington and a major step forward in our commitment to providing world-class healthcare closer to home.”

A hybrid operating theatre is a specialised surgical space that brings together advanced imaging technology and traditional surgical capability. This allows multi-disciplinary teams to complete highly complex procedures – including trauma, vascular surgery, and interventional radiology – all in one location, without moving patients between theatres and imaging suites.

“Currently, patients in Wellington are being transferred between operating theatres and interventional suites, which can create delays and extend recovery times for patients.

“The new $16.25 million hybrid theatre directly addresses those challenges, delivering the highest standard of care in a single, seamless environment.

“It will replace the current model where a single patient may need to be seen by two different teams in separate rooms. By consolidating care in one space, Wellington Regional Hospital will be able to increase its surgical output, allowing more patients to receive timely, quality treatment.

“Recovery times will also improve, as patients will no longer require multiple procedures across separate settings.

“Projects like this are essential for reducing pressure on our health system. By eliminating duplication, improving surgical workflows, and giving clinicians the tools they need to work efficiently, we are strengthening healthcare delivery across the region.

“We are committed to investing in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities so New Zealanders can access world-class surgical care right here in Wellington. This hybrid theatre is a clear example of how smart, targeted infrastructure investment delivers better outcomes for patients and builds a more resilient health system for the future.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Co-founder and CEO of Dawn Aerospace Stefan Powell and Southland schoolgirl Sophie Ineson are this year’s recipients of the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes.

“These prizes highlight the extraordinary talent and vision driving our space industry forward today and celebrate the next generation,” Mr Luxon says.

“Stefan and Dawn Aerospace have made a remarkable impact on our space industry. Stefan’s leadership shows how innovation and excellence in this sector are fuelling economic growth, creating high-value jobs and attracting global investment to New Zealand.

“Year 12 student Sophie’s innovative research exploring how Southland’s natural materials could enhance wound care for astronauts is highly impressive.  

“This kind of forward-thinking not only holds promise for space exploration but also for the future of healthcare on Earth.” 

Ms Collins says this year’s winners exemplify the vision, innovation and dedication of people and businesses in the rapidly growing industry.

“An economic report released earlier this year confirms just how significant the space and advanced aviation sectors are to New Zealand’s economy, with space sector revenue growing 53 percent to $2.68 billion in the five years to 2024. The advanced aviation sector, which overlaps with the space sector, generated an estimated $530 million in revenue in 2024. 

“Our space sector supports approximately 17,000 skilled jobs – up from 12,000 in 2019 – while our advanced aviation sector supports 3700 jobs,” Ms Collins says.   

“This growth is a testament to people like Stefan and Sophie, and these prizes shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and ingenuity driving these sectors. I am proud to celebrate their achievements as we continue to position New Zealand as a leader in the global space industry.”

As winners of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, Stefan Powell will receive $100,000 and Sophie Ineson will receive $50,000 which is intended to support tertiary education.

More information about the winners is available on the Prime Minister’s Space Prize website: www.pmspaceprizes.org.nz. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The latest quarterly update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission show the National Infrastructure Pipeline now includes nearly 12,000 infrastructure projects worth a total of $275 billion, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.

“The Pipeline provides an independent view of current and future infrastructure projects and programmes across the country, from roads, to water infrastructure, to schools, and more, and includes central government, local government and private sector projects,” Mr Bishop says.

“Good infrastructure planning relies on good information. The more comprehensive the Pipeline becomes, the more value it delivers – helping to grow the economy, support jobs, and lift productivity across New Zealand.

“The Infrastructure Commission’s newly released snapshot report is based on September submissions to the Pipeline from 129 infrastructure providers, which now includes nearly 12,000 infrastructure projects, shows real momentum. 

“We’re seeing projects advancing, information improving, and the total value of infrastructure initiatives in the Pipeline climbing to $275 billion, up from $237 billion in June this year.

“We’re also now seeing $181 billion worth of initiatives with full or partial funding commitments, or a confirmed funding source. This is up $56 billion from June.

“This lift is great news for the construction sector and the wider economy. A stronger, clearer picture of funded work gives the sector the confidence to plan ahead, retain staff, and invest in capability.”

The Pipeline records current and future infrastructure projects from central government, local government, and the private sector, covering transport, water, education, health, housing, and more. It provides a national view of investment activity underway or being planned, supporting better decisions across the system.

“At the end of September this year there were $61 billion of infrastructure projects under construction, and another $20 billion progressing through planning and scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months,” Mr Bishop says.

“In addition to funded projects, the Pipeline includes early-stage initiatives that have not yet secured a funding source.

“These early-stage initiatives matter too. They help signal future demand, highlight market constraints and opportunities, and support workforce planning. A more complete Pipeline is better for everyone – from councils and contractors to central government agencies.

“This growth reflects better reporting, more initiatives being captured, and improved information quality. A clear view of both committed investments and the large set of options that may seek funding is vital for good decision-making,” Mr Bishop says.

“The September update will also inform the final stages of the National Infrastructure Plan, which will provide forward guidance on a sustainable investment path for infrastructure, highlight large unfunded Pipeline initiatives, and set out recommendations to improve system performance.

“The Pipeline is steadily moving toward a more complete picture of regional and sectoral infrastructure activity, although there is still room for improvement.”

Read the latest Pipeline update: https://tewaihanga.govt.nz/the-pipeline/pipeline-snapshot

Source: New Zealand Government

A new 10-year strategy aims to strengthen New Zealand Sign Language, making it a more visible, valued part of everyday life

Launching the NZSL Strategy 2026-2036, Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says it’s important for NZSL to be supported, strengthened and promoted in New Zealand.

“Increasing everyday use and fluency will improve access to services and lead to better outcomes for Deaf people and NZSL users,” Louise Upston says.

“I know Deaf people and NZSL users struggle to access public services or community events. That’s why we need a strategy guiding the work of government agencies and community organisations, so NZSL can be used and understood.

“The strategy we’re welcoming was developed by the NZSL Board alongside its Turi Māori (Māori Deaf) advisory group, Te Rōpū Kaitiaki. The board is responsible for the maintenance and promotion of NZSL, and I want to acknowledge its hard work over many years.   

“I also want to thank all the individuals, communities and organisations who have taken part in consultation. 

“That consultation and feedback matters because to truly lift the status of NZSL, we must work to integrate it into everyday life – across government, business, media, and communities.

“That means celebrating NZSL through NZSL Week, media stories, and role models from the Deaf community. It means celebrating the 20th anniversary of NZSL as an official language and preparing to mark the 25th and 30th anniversaries during the life of this Strategy. 

“Integration also means ensuring NZSL is visible and valued. Everyone has a role to play. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, public servant, or business owner, you can help to energise and integrate NZSL. 

“Our shared vision should be clear: New Zealand Sign Language – everyone, everywhere, every day,” Louise Upston says.

The strategy has two approaches. The first is to ensure Deaf people and NZSL users, particularly children, are able to learn and use NZSL. This includes strengthening the use of NZSL in the home because most deaf children are born into hearing families and whānau.

The second approach aims to ensure non-NZSL users understand and accept the use of NZSL. Many barriers faced by NZSL users stem from the lack of information and services available to NZSL users.

An NZSL translation of this media release is available here: 

https://www.nzsl.govt.nz/news/ministers-media-release-valued-and-visible-making-sign-language-live

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is progressing a strong pipeline of roading resilience projects in the South Island to ensure local communities, freight, and tourism operators can continue to get where they need to go, South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

“The State Highway 6 (SH6) Epitaph Landslide Resilience Improvements project, a crucial project to help safeguard the road’s resilience, has had its investment case endorsed by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board, as well as $7 million in funding approved to progress detailed design and consenting,” Mr Meager says.

“As a strategic freight and tourism corridor, SH6 connects the South Island’s West Coast with Otago and Southland. It supports travel between key destinations like Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, and Milford Sound. It is also a route exposed to natural hazards like landslides/slips, rockfall, and flooding.

“The recommended approach to strengthen SH6 Epitaph Slip (near Knights Point) is to realign the road inland away from the cliff edge, remove unstable material above the road and bench cut the rockface to improve stability. To construct the benches and remove the unstable materials, a haul road will also be built to enable access.

“Initial steps are now underway, including progressing geotechnical investigations, design, and consenting. This will ensure the project is ready for consideration of construction funding by the NZTA Board in the 2027-30 National Land Transport Programme period. The estimated construction cost is a range of $102-123 million.

“I’ve seen with my own eyes how vitally important this project is for the South Island, having visited the Epitaph Slip site earlier this year with local MP, Maureen Pugh. I thank Maureen for her long-term advocacy to find a way forward for this critical project, alongside Westland Mayor Helen Lash.

“This programme to improve resilience includes six key corridors as well as the Epitaph Slip. Alongside the $13.4 million being used for design and consenting work, the Government has already committed $12 million for construction. Another $90 million is expected to be sought once design work is complete.”

“Our state highways are vital lifelines for communities in the South Island, and we’ll continue to prioritise a strong pipeline of improvement projects that deliver better resilience and reliability of these corridors over time.

“This is a great example of Government listening to what our regions need to improve local connectivity, regional growth, and support jobs. I look forward to further progress being made by NZTA on these projects, alongside the wider Crown Resilience Programme, in the months and years ahead.”

Notes to Editor:

•    Following a landslide below SH6 Epitaph Slip in 2012, and a major rockfall from heavy rain in 2024, an investment case was brought forward to find a long-term solution to address the vulnerability of the highway at this location.

•    The approach for the Epitaph Landslide Resilience Improvements project was developed through a comprehensive process that considered construction options, environmental impacts, impact on local communities and users of the route, geotechnical and resilience risks, as well as economic impacts.

•    Read more about the Epitaph Landslide Resilience Improvements project at About the projects | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

•    The SH6 Epitaph Slip is one part of six high priority roading corridors that have been identified in the South Island because of the likely impact a natural disaster would have on them. They include:

o    SH60 Tākaka Hill – Investment case complete, detailed design underway. (pre-imp funding approved $1.9M)

o    SH6 Hope Saddle to SH65 Higgins Bluff – Investment case complete, detailed design almost complete. Construction is underway on multiple sites.
(pre-imp funding approved $1.6M) (construction funding approved $12M)

o    SH6 Haast to Hawea – Investment case complete, detailed design underway. (pre-imp funding approved $2.4M)

o    SH6 Epitaph slip – Investment case complete, detailed design about to commence.
$7 million approved for detailed design and consenting.

o    SH6 Cromwell to Frankton – Investment case complete, detailed design underway. (pre-imp funding approved $3.9M which includes installation of monitoring equipment for a corridor management plan and a management strategy for The Narrows)

o    SH6 Frankton to Kingston – Investment case complete, detailed design underway and expected to be completed early 2026. (pre-imp funding approved $1.6M)

o    SH94 Milford Road Sound to Te Anau Downs – Investment case complete, detailed design underway. (pre-imp funding approved $2M)

•    NZTA is working to improve each of the high priority corridors in the South Island and increase their resilience over time. You can read more here: https://nzta.govt.nz/projects/south-island-resilience
 

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 2 October 2024

This page explains fee limits for new courses funded through Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) and Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

Fee limits apply to new courses funded through the following funds:

Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the NZQCF (DQ3-7)
Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the NZQCF (DQ7-10).

Note: fees charged for industry training (i.e. programmes or micro credentials funded under DQ3-7 in the work-based modes of delivery) are exempt from fee-setting limits for new courses.
Fees must be no more than the 75th percentile of the range of fees charged for similar courses.
When identifying similar courses we consider the course:

funding category
classification under the New Zealand Standard Classification of Education (NZSCED), and
equivalent full-time students (EFTS) factor.

In exceptional circumstances you may apply for an exception to the limit on new course fees. The exception criteria are published in the funding mechanisms.
Funding mechanisms and delegations
In determining exceptions, we consider the following criteria:

The course would not be financially viable without a higher fee.
Where the course is part of a qualification at Levels 3–7 (non-degree) or 7+ on the NZCQF that has been delivered previously, the programme has a cohort-based completion rate that meets or exceeds the median performance benchmark for that NZQCF level in the previous year.
You can demonstrate that the course is in some way unique or special, for example, there are no or very few similar courses to compare fees with.
The course is aligned to Government priorities set out in the Tertiary Education Strategy.

Applying for an exception to the fee limit
For information about how to apply for an exception, please see the guidance below.

Email your application to our Customer Contact Team at customerservice@tec.govt.nz with the subject line [EDUMIS] – Exception to fee limits for new course fees application.
The deadlines to submit an application are:

5.00pm on the last Friday of November
5.00pm on the first Friday of February
5.00pm on the first Friday of June
5.00pm on the first Friday of August.

We will advise you in writing of the outcome of your application.
If you have any questions about the application process, please email customerservice@tec.govt.nz or your relationship manager.

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s forestry and wood-processing sector has taken centre-stage during a highly successful trade mission to India, Forestry; Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.

Mr McClay joined a delegation of 13 New Zealand companies to India this week to pursue new growth opportunities, strengthen market insights, and cement New Zealand’s reputation as a reliable, long-term supplier of premium wood products.

“This mission delivered the first tangible results under the Letter of Intent on Forestry Cooperation signed earlier this year,” Mr McClay says.

“It also gave our sector valuable first-hand understanding of India’s forestry policies and its fast-growing domestic market.”

Wood and wood products are already New Zealand’s largest goods export to India, worth NZ$134 million in the year to June 2025 and growing.

“While logs and pulp remain the backbone of current trade, the real opportunity lies in higher-value processed timber products that match India’s rapid urbanisation and emphasis on sustainable construction,” Mr McClay says.

“This trip showcased our world-class premium timbers, cutting-edge processing technologies, and innovative value-added products.”

Mr McClay announced that New Zealand will host a return Indian forestry delegation in February 2026 to build on this week’s momentum and elevate the bilateral partnership.

The mission, which wrapped up on Monday evening, follows the recent visit to New Zealand by India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and underlines the Government’s commitment to a deeper, broader strategic relationship with India.

Source: New Zealand Government

Consultation has started on a new action plan to recognise unpaid or informal carers and to provide a long-term roadmap for making progress on the issues they face, says Associate Social Development Minister, Penny Simmonds.

“The Government is seeking feedback on a draft action plan to recognise the hundreds of thousands of Kiwis providing care for someone who needs help with everyday living due to age, a disability, illness, injury or a health condition,” Ms Simmonds says.

Ms Simmonds says the new draft ‘rolling’ action plan, which has been developed by the Ministry for Social Development (MSD) in partnership with the Carers Alliance and an advisory group of organisations representing carers, will make a difference across three core areas over time – recognition and appreciation; health and wellbeing; and financial security.

“The discussions so far have been extremely useful in helping to identify where support is needed and shape up the initial plan – we now want to hear from carers themselves,” says Ms Simmonds.

“We will be making it as easy as possible to give feedback, with stakeholder workshops, community-led workshops across the country, quick online surveys and written submissions on MSD’s website.”

Find out more information and make your submission by 12 February 2026 at: Consultation on Carers Strategy Action Plan – Ministry of Social Development

Source: New Zealand Police

Six people have blown over the limit and two people are due to appear in court after a disappointing weekend on Marlborough roads.

“Police saw a number of concerning incidents over the region and it’s lucky nobody was killed or seriously injured,” says Sergeant Josh Clauson.

At around 7:10pm on Friday Police observed a motorbike travelling over twice the legal speed limit on State Highway 63, Wairau Valley.

The 24-year-old man had his driver’s licence suspended and his motorbike impounded.

An hour later at around 8:10pm a youth crashed a vehicle into a fence after driving dangerously on Thomsons Ford Road. The teenager involved has since been referred to Youth Aid.

On Saturday at around 4pm a driver sped through a Police checkpoint on State Highway 6, Pelorus, with officers having to take evasive action.

The man fled from Police but was located a short time later and arrested at around 4:10pm.

The man is due to appear in Blenheim District Court on 8 December charged with excess breath alcohol, dangerous driving and aggravated failing to stop.

“As we come into summer the public can expect more checkpoints, more Police on the roads, and no tolerance for dangerous behaviour.

“Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol puts not only yourself, but passengers and other road users in serious danger.”

ENDS

Issued by the Police media Centre.